Cleaned EGR ports

[tasteph]

Just wanted to share with all that I just cleaned the EGR ports on my ‘96 Windstar. I had previously posted awhile back about the CEL being illuminated and having a P0304 code. I had at first changed the air filter and added some fuel injector cleaner, I also had a major tune-up and had to replace the catalytic converter. After all of this I was still having the CEL to illuminate and upon further reading on these forums I was lead to believe that the EGR ports may be clogged.

With the help of those several post, a Haynes manual, the proper tools and some carburetor cleaner it took me about 2 1/2 hours to remove the upper intake manifold with the other few components associated with this task to be able to access the EGR ports and thoroughly clean them. #’s 3, 5, and 6 were completely clogged but I cleaned all of them. After getting everything back together and starting up the engine I could tell right away that it was running smoother and a quick trip down the road it was quite noticeable of the better acceleration and improved performance. My wife drove the van also and she immediately could tell a difference in the drivability. I am hoping that this has finally cleared up my issue and as of yet I have not had the CEL to come back on but I’ll give it a few more days just to make sure. At the very least I know by cleaning the EGR ports that I have helped make the engine run better.

Thanks to all of the wonderful advice given here and now my next task will be to check on that rear heat/air issue that seems to be common with this vehicle but now I’m having the same problem with the front heat/air. Could be the blend door, maybe a switch, or a vacuum leak issue but now at least I have some confidence to do some of the work myself and save a lot of money. Just what do you think it would have cost me to have a mechanic to perform the cleaning of the EGR ports as I did yesterday? How much did it cost me for doing it myself? About $6.00 for some carburetor cleaner and a small bag of rags...